First Reading: Jonah 3:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51
Gospel: Luke 11:29-32
"When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, He repented of the evil that He had threatened to do to them; He did not carry it out." (Jonah 3:10)
The psalm from today says that "A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn." I would say that for the people of Nineveh, this certainly became true. Upon hearing of their destruction, the people repented and turned away from their old ways and turned back to God. This story certainly shows us the power of repentance and forgiveness. While God is certainly a God of justice, and He does bring about justice when evil is done (of course it is all in His time), He is also a God of great mercy. God is so patient with us, and is willing to give us all chances and opportunities that we are not deserving of, but He gives because of His love for us.
We must remember that there will be times in our lives that it will feel as though we have turned from God or that we have done something to really mess up. We have a choice to make during these time: keep turning away; or turn back, repent, and ask for God's forgiveness. God is there waiting to give us His love and forgiveness, if you don't believe this, just look to the people of Nineveh. Their story will certainly reveal the truth.
When is the last time that you went to the Sacrament of reconciliation? Make a commitment during this lent to visit this Sacrament, and to open yourself to the grace that comes from it.
Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord, forgive us for the things that make us turn away from you. Lord, we do not long to be apart from you, but our desire is to be close to you and to know you. Lord, you are our God and we are your people; help us to let go of the things of this world, so that we can serve you with all that we are. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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